Friday, July 7, 2017

This & that

Good morning Folks ~ From what I’ve seen and read on your blogs, you’re all off to a good start with summer. Fun, food, projects, travels.

Just had a tiny bit of rain earlier, need more. I went out yesterday morning to handwater plants in containers and had to stop because it was so miserable out. Very humid and heavy out, I was sweating buckets, so came back in and hibernated.

I’ve been dealing with a tad of depression, missing my dear husband and dealing with learning to live alone on a limited budget. I see ‘things’ I don’t have, and start ‘wanting’, instead of being ‘content’ with what I have. I certainly have much to be thankful for, and I don’t really ‘need’ the things I’d like to have. I can work with what I have, rearranging, (shopping in my own little cottage), and paint works wonders in giving a fresher, new look.

My dear BIL & SIL have moved into a new place and have blessed me with two matching bookcases, and a media/tv stand. This is causing me to purge books in my living rooom from two ‘curbside found’ units. Friends are buying me a flat screen tv, so I will be getting rid of the huge older/heavy tv that I have. BIL will help me get it out of here, and set up new tv with my media system. I plan to paint the living room too. I look forward to the new and improved look.

Changes are hard, but purging the books feels great. I don’t need all of the art books, books on antiques (as they no longer apply to my life), and other books & magazines that have no further interest to me. In going to the flea market to sell for around 15 years, we bought ‘lots’ of things very cheap, and a lot of those things were books, books and more books. I will be getting rid of a lot of cookbooks also, but not right now. For now I’m just concentrating on the living room’s west wall of books. (Have more bookcases in the bedroom, kitchen, and other end of living room, not to mention in my creative space too. All in good time. Now that I’ve started, I ‘want’ it all done now. Patience, FlowerLady, Patience.)

Below is how the west wall looked before I started purging.

Below is old tv, and you can see why I made a faux mantle and hung a curtain.I will be getting rid of the tv and piece it is sitting on, plus purge most of the stuff that is in the unit.

Below is the new tv stand that I will be getting. There is a flat screen tv on wall above this piece. I will put my new tv on the stand I think. I’m thinking of having BIL make a mantle shelf over the flat screen, between and connected to the two bookcases. I’ll see what he thinks when the time comes. For now, I need to keep purging.

Forward progress.

Here are a few recent outside pictures.

Zebra longwing butterfly and tropical honeysuckle.

I was at the scullery sink the other day and spied a mourning dove sitting on the statue’s head. I hoped it would still be there when I came back with camera, it was.

Here’s an enlarged view.

That’s it from Plum Cottage. I’m heading outside to do more hand watering.

Hi Lorraine, your purging and rearranging at Plum Cottage is going great. I am doing some of that too, and am quite pleased I found 25 books to give away. Yay, I need to declutter. There are two Little Free Libraries near my home and when I walk my dog I carry books with me to donate.

I know it's not as humidly unbearable at my place, but I am still staying inside until the evening breeze makes it possible to take a walk. The garden chores will have to wait!

I think I remember when you set up your hide-the-TV shelf and curtain. That new TV stand is as elegant as I think such a piece of furniture can be ;-) It reminds me of mine!

You seem to be dealing with your doldrums in a productive and creative way: creating space and beauty in your new life. I notice that you are learning as St. Paul says, "To abase and to abound." To abase, by cheerfully doing without those things you can't afford. To abound: by having patience with all the "wealth" of things you do have, because purging is a process....

May the Lord guide and comfort us as we do this work of creating our new lives.

Hi Lorraine. I think it is only natural to want what we don't have. I'm glad you are getting in and redoing things. A change of scenery always does make things easier to take. I love your new TV stand. That dove was quite a sight. I'm glad he or she stayed in one place so you could get that beautiful picture. There is something so soothing about doves..Have a wonderful weekend..xxoJudy

Hi Lorraine, here in Southern California it is awfully hot too (98F), but of course not as humid as it is where you live. I don't do that well at such high temperature, so gardening is on the back burner right now and I just try to get the necessary watering done. I think it is great, that you are getting rid of old books and magazines and I would say you made already great progress, judging by your photo. I have way too many old books and magazines that I don't care for anymore as well and need to do the same as you do. I know, I will feel so much better once I have let them go.Wishing you a wonderful weekend!Warm regards, Christina

I'm sorry you're feeling down, but it's totally understandable. It's hard dealing with the loss of a spouse. There are so many layers of grief, so much to let go of. I think your purging and sprucing up Plum Cottage is going to give you a big lift. You're doing all the right things, and God is ever with you. Love the photo of the pigeon sitting on the statue'e head. Priceless! Hugs.

Oh, the heat is getting to me lately too. Seems to be worse this year. I like your attitude to changing things up. It's hard sometimes to get rid of things, but is so freeing after it's done. You're doing a great job. And I love that cute dove on her head! Blessings!

the dove,Beautiful, then the new TV and book cases, all changes, but as time continues, our needs also change.life by yourself is so different, you cope with everything so well, or so it seems from your words, But we do not know what is behind those words and photos. Be strong, rest often, and tell us any news, we are here to share and care.XXXX

Hi Lorraine, Purging is such a refreshing process! It seems that we collect lots of things when we are young and, as we get older and wiser, realize we don't need the clutter......When you are done it will be a breath of fresh air. You are surrounded by wonderful people who love you. What a blessing! I'm so sorry you are missing your hubby. Grief is presented to us as a process but, it really never goes away....That butterfly is crazy beautiful! Sometimes, when I look at the beauty of nature I think God has outdone Himself....if that were possible! God Bless!

You have passed the first step, in my opinion, of purging. It is to realize that you will never use, or have any interest in, whatever you are sorting through. Getting past the plateau of "I will use that someday" keeps many of us from lifting the burden of having too many things. I hardly ever "want" anything anymore I used to have that very same TV until we got a flat screen at a Walmart Black Friday sale. Just getting that bulky think out of the house will lift your spirits. We didn't want to spend the money for an expensive bracket to hang the TV so we DID buy a TV stand with sliding glass door shelves. We needed something to put our cable box etc in. So Terry removed the legs and hung the TV stand on the wall and put the TV on IT. One of the dog beds is under it so that gave me more floor space.

You area pretty darned handy at switching things up with new paint. I wish you satisfaction in all the changes you are making. It brings serenity, which we all need all the time.Much Love to youCarol

I think these moods are inevitable. I like how you are 'working' your way out. The new TV will be perfect. I still have a jumble of wires I wish I could hide but there is an heating/ac vent right under so I can't cover it up.

Your cottage is a wonderful place to live and is charming. You have so many talents that I envy. I think your hobbies and friends will see you through to a better place.I think of you often and admire how you have adjusted. It makes me ponder......

It encourages me when I see that you're able to let go of things that are no longer "needs" - I have far too many of those myself. Nostalgia ties me to much of my stuff and that makes it even more difficult. But - if you can do it, so can I!! "Things" aren't what's important in our lives anyway, as long as we have roofs over our heads and something for our bellies.

God bless you Lorraine - through the good days and the sad days, He's always with us.

I think that feelings of grief and loss--even though happening sometime past--continue to catch up with us unexpectedly. We deal with it to some extend by keeping determinedly busy--which you are.That soul-deep sorrow of missing someone is always there.

Oh what a pretty pretty picture of the dove on the lady! Is the lady a lady with her legs curled up , or is that a mermaid? Don't you love it when you hurry for the camera...and when you get back, what you wanted is actually THERE WAITING FOR YOU to get the picture!? LOL You're going to love your new tv set-up Lorraine! You'll be so much happier with it I think. I've been jumping on the clutter as well...too hot to do much of anything outside so I've been busy inside tackling all the old books and magazines. I have way too many...hard to let go of them but I am trying. Cant hardly part with books as they are like old friends, ya know? Magazines I can do much easier.

I hope you feel better by now. I know a little bit about depression, and it can be very difficult. I try to stay busy, to be around people, and usually I will start some kind of project to keep my brain occupied. God usually puts someone down in front of me that has it so much worse than I, makes me feel ashamed for feeling sorry for myself instead of feeling grateful for all His blessings.

Remember your DH is in such a better place than this, you will be reunited someday, and until then, you must listen to God's whispers and try to be in His presence each day. I believe in signs and I think God might've sent that dove to sit on that statue, where you could see it, as a way to say, "Remember that I love you". Hugs

I have always thought that an impulse purchase of books isn't a bad thing ... until the books stack up and there's nowhere to put them anymore. I am reaching that point, and will soon have to make decisions on which ones to keep and which ones will have to live elsewhere.

Wow - you did get rid of some stuff on those shelves!! Good work. I also need to attack my books with a purging eye. TOO many from so many years of teaching. So many old English anthologies that I no longer plan to look at.I understand what you mean by "hibernating" in the summer. You have to live in the horrific heat and humidity of the South to realize how it is so similar to severe winter in the North. It's the season when you stay inside, the outside is unfriendly to the human body. Stay cool, girl!

Wanting more, trying to be content with the things we do have - it is a challenge isn't it? I am much better at it than I used to be but still a ways to go. I do love the changes in the wings for you and they will improve the look of that wall immensely. Purging by choice is the easiest way to do it and I am always surprised by how much I can let go of if I'm in the right frame of mind.Missing your DH is something that will always be a part of you but I hope it makes you less sad over time...Thinking of you often,jillayne

Hi Lorraine, I think we all go through times of wants. It's just our human nature isn't it? and such a struggle at times. I remember my dad used to say, let's not let our wants become greater than our needs. I think of this often.Love the new changes you are making in your living room. The TV will be so nice with the new furniture stand. Purging books you no longer need or have interests in, is a great idea. I have done this too and it really helped my book shelves to lighten the load. Love the photo of the dove. We get two doves that come everyday and sit on the fence where we can see them from the kitchen table. We like to think it is a sign from my mom and dad that they are nearby and watching over us. It's a comfort to see them.I hope you feel better. Sending prayers your way. Wishing you a beautiful week and Happy July. Prayers xo

Always so good to hear from you, Rainey. The decluttering process is something I have to get at, and soon. I'm in the midst of a fledgling depression right now due to the unknown when it comes to my eyesight. This truly is like having a sword hanging over my head, I know I have to face it, I just don't know when and, more importantly, how. I pray for strength. I'm so happy for you and the updates in your home. Thank you for being my friend.

i'm sorry you've been feeling a bit blue. Your outlook is positive though, and you always find a way to get out of the doldrums through keeping busy. Purging items no longer used is a great way of freeing yourself. I do it often. usually, it's clothing for me. We have a book stash that needs to be cleared out, I could build a Tower of Babel with all the unused books in every nook and cranny.

Hi Lorraine, It's been a while since I commented although I often pop by . I was sad to hear the you had been a bit down but fully understand, I can not bear the thought of losing Tom and really feel for you.The purge will do you good I know. I find there's nothing like a good purge to lift the spirits.I love the littel dove, he seems to have dots on his back, ours don't have that over here.Thanks for your comment on the patchwork heart, it had been a long time in the making that one but I'm glad I finished it.Brionyx

Hi Lorraine, how are you now? I haven't been here for sometime, thanks you dropped by my post again. I am now not only into plants especially hoya and hippeastrum, but also into butterflies and moths, hahaha. So i love that photo of the birdwing! Best regards, take care.

It's always a good feeling to purge and rearrange things now and again! I have the same problem with books, and I have been boxing them up and storing them away until I don't miss them any longer and can just take them to Goodwill. That's my strategy, anyway. I am so sorry that you are feeling lonely - you are so brave and strong, and I don't think enough attention is paid to all the courageous people who must go at life alone after losing their loved ones of many years. I am glad that you have your BIL and other friends and relatives to look out for you. I must hand-water all my gardens this time of year, too, and it is a job in itself. It keeps me from getting too carried away at the garden shops because I have to remember that eventually, I will be watering whatever I find, every day :) It always lifts my spirits when I can redecorate a space - even if it is shopping the house to find the right items. Looking forward to seeing your finished results. Sending hugs xo Karen

Having lost a child I can relate to you pain that ever ends with such a huge loss. There are up days and their are down days...It certainly doesn't help that you are financially having a hard time too. Both together must be very difficult. You are lucky though that you have friends and family who are there for you..Your garden is lovely and I love your statuary so much..If I lived closer you might find a few missing..

Getting rid of books is always hard for me, that was our biggest challenge when packing up to move to our new home. We still have way too many books, but for now they fit on the shelves we have.

I think you're going to have so much fun freshening up your place ! Nothing like a new coat of paint after purging your home of items and furniture you don't really need to lift your spirits and invigorate you . I am looking forward to seeing what happens in your home in the coming days.

I have never before seen a Zebra Longwing butterfly. Such a beautiful and unique butterfly. Are they common in Florida ?

I was reading a fiction novel ( though based on the authors real-life grandmother ) and thinking of you because there was a section on when the grandmother became a widow and how later on, it often became harder with the passing years, not easier.Theirs was a good marriage, a match-made-in-heaven, like yours.

I always enjoy seeing your flowers and that dove shot is sweet :) I hope you get the rain that you need! We had far too much of it recently but this week is different and I'll be hand-watering soon, as it's gotten quite hot. 95 today, ugh.

Grief is a strange thing in the way it takes over sometimes. Good for you for keeping busy and being grateful despite your loss. Your false mantel and TV cover were beautiful. I admire your creativity! How fortunate you are to have such giving and kind friends and family. Can't wait to see what this looks like with all of the changes you'll be making. Your mourning dove picture reminds me of the words, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know he cares for me."

How goes the "great purge"? Sort of anxious to see your progress!SO hot up here. I have little energy for any outdoor work so have been reading and doing some "puzzle work" as I call it to think of it as more valuable, LOL!

Lorraine, I think you have chosen a wise course in the work you are doing while missing your dear husband again overtakes you. There probably isn't a healthier way to follow but I know that it probably sometimes takes a super amount of energy when it would be so easy just to do nothing. I hope that your work has brought you many rewards in body and spirit.

I remember last year when we moved and got rid of the huge cumbersome tv that we felt lighter just moving it out. What a miracle a flat screen tv is, when you think about it. And remotes you can speak into and all the other inventions. Then why do I often think of the days when we had 3 channels and had to get up to go change the channel as the good old days? Maybe because my brain gets tired sometimes of all the choices one has to make?

I absolutely love the picture of the mourning dove on the statue's head!

Sorry for the sadness you have been feeling lately. They say the greater you've loved, the greater you will grieve. I always appreciated how you have shared your sorrow with us, and I hope that lifts that sadness, if but for a moment. As for purging...I find that always helps me when I'm sad, upset, at a loss...just to get a little control or handle on things around me. Exciting about the bookcases, and new TV...all those little blessings that makes this life brighter! Love you friend!

Hey, dear FL -- just wondering how you are. Haven't seen a post from you in a while, and hoping you are not unwell, or very sad. I also sometimes take time off blogging, often because I just lose my zip to write anything. Miss you!

Well it certainly is time for out with the old and in with the new!You are so blessed to have family to support you and help you like they are doing.Yes we need to be so thankful for what we DO have. Anyway I often ask myself "how much is enough". I really know the answer.Thank you for visiting my blog. I am trying to blog more now than I have been.All the best,Suzy

Just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and hoping all is well. I miss Plum Cottage happenings but I tend more and more to drop out of blogging for weeks at a time myself. Sometimes we need that time away before we can come back.

Lorraine, I just scanned through the other comments in response to this post. Do you see that others relate to what you've shared and that you help and encourage others? You show people that we can all move forward when things change. I hope you are feeling better these days. :)

Been thinking of you my friend! How are you? Do you know you are my only blog friend(from all the years that blogging was the rage), that stuck around? I do consider you more then a 'blog' friend...you are a dear 'heart' friend. Hope all is well!!

Hi there Lorraine, so glad you stopped by and thank you for identifying that pink flower. To me it just looked like clematis and I really know nothing about them, we tried to grow some last summer and they didn't come up. I do love them so....maybe will try again next summer. I love how you can nearly always tell me what the flowers are, so many of them I am just learning and your gardens are so beautiful. Hope your summer is coming along nice....you haven't posted in awhile and I am missing your posts. Hope you are back soon.

About Me

This blog was started in 2008. It has been about life shared with my dear husband and best friend.
He went to be with Jesus 9 Dec. 2012, and my life changed. I miss my husband daily, but God is my strength, and He is with me through each and every day.
Hubby & I will be reunited again one day and what a reunion that will be.
I enjoy gardening, needleworking, reading and music.
Every day is a learning experience.

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It does not meanto be in a placewhere there is no noise,troubleor hard work.

It means to be in the midstof those thingsand stillbe calm in your heart.

(author unknown)

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The Continuing Journey

A new blog about this next phase in my life. It will be a learning experience. One of dependence on God to fill the void left in my life by the loss of my DH. It will be my thoughts and times of grief. A place to let it out. Maybe it will be of some help to others.

FlowerLady Lorraine

For Widows

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I found the book 'Undistracted Widow ~ Living for God After Losing Your Husband' by Carol Cornish, online when I was searching for bits and pieces to help me as a new widow. This book is wonderful and just what I needed. It is full of encouragement and scripture.

I highly recommend it for anyone who is a widow, and for those who would like to know how to help widows as they go and grow in this next part of their journey.

It would also be a great help to any woman who is single, as it is all about trusting in Jesus for all things.

Sincerely ~ FlowerLady Lorraine

Sabbath Moments

TERRY HERSHEY is an inspirational speaker, humorist, author, and designer of sanctuary gardens who has been featured on The Hallmark Channel, CNN, PBS, and NPR. Terry holds a mirror up to our fast-forward, disconnected lives, and offers us the “power of pause”—the wisdom of slowing down and the permission to take an intentional Sabbath moment to regain emotional and spiritual balance… to find the sacred in every single day.

One cannot but be in awewhen one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life,of the marvelous structure of reality.It is enoughif one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.Never lose a holy curiosity.